A drunk driver turning left failed to yield and crashed into an Auburn police officer’s vehicle, prosecutors say.
Michael Nielens, 38, of Auburn, was indicted by a Cayuga County grand jury on a felony DWI charge and multiple traffic violations.
The crash happened while the officer was driving a marked police vehicle, according to the district attorney’s office. Officials say Nielens had a prior DWI conviction within the last 10 years, which makes this a Class E felony.
If convicted, he could face a sentence of one and one-third to four years in prison. Assistant District Attorney Amanda Casselman is prosecuting the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.



